SOME PARENTS are presenting themselves as sex symbols when visiting their children’s school. They are wearing clothing that reveals too much of their cleavage, back, chest, legs, stomach or undergarments.
In a perfect world, people should be able to wear whatever they choose and not be judged. However, we live in a world where we are judged by our appearance and lately it seems that the less clothing is worn, the better.
Regardless of the excuses, there are some things that parents should never wear when going to a school.
Showing too much skin – parents, no one wants to see your midriff. Regardless of your body type, too tight or too short is just too trashy for the school compound. Booty riders might have their place at a party or the beach, but not on a school’s premises.
Men should never come to a school without a shirt. The beach is a good place to flex muscles and show abs, not the school. Try wearing a nice casual sleeved shirt.
Ladies, a loose-fitting skirt to the knee would be fine, with a blouse covering the midriff.
Regardless of your breast size, please keep them covered. Your breasts should not be popping out of the shirt. There are male teachers, principals and adolescent boys with raging hormones on the compound – why try to excite them with your lewd attire? Try wearing T-shirts or tops that cover and restrain your breasts.
Showing tattoos – tattoos are definitely in. Some parents place them on strategic body parts and make sure they are seen. They wear low-rider pants exposing the top of the buttocks to show the tattoos on their behinds. These pants are a definite no-no at a school. Try wearing nicely fitting jeans that you do not have to squeeze into or loosely fitting slacks.
To those who want to show their breast tattoos, please show them outside the school setting.
Too little or no underwear – ladies, no one wants to see your underwear. If your T-string can be seen, then your clothes are too tight. Someone without underwear and with clinging clothes looks disgusting to people whose children attend the school. Try covering up your thongs and boxers. Wear clothing that fits loosely and does not show off anything.
Men, pull up your pants – children and staff members do not need to see your boxers, and bandanas are out. Do not come dressed with a bandana tied around your neck or head. You are not a cowboy in a western movie. If your head is to be covered, a nice cap will do the job and remember to take your cap off on entering the office.
Parents, being modestly dressed is best. Please do not go to your children’s school wearing short shorts, tank tops, halter tops or any other revealing clothing.
If you are bent on wearing such, stay outside the school gates. If you want to strip-tease, the school compound is not the place.
Cover up, parents. You are not only embarrassing your children but sending the wrong message by the way you dress.
• Rhonda A. Blackman is an educator, National Development Scholar and former president of the Early Childhood Association of Barbados Inc. Email: [email protected].
